Betty Crocker's Healthy New Choices: A Fresh Approach to Eating Well

For 75 years, Betty Crocker has delivered trusted culinary advice and recipes to millions of consumers. Now Betty's got a new look, she's lightened up her recipes, and she's sharing them with the world in Betty Crocker's Healthy New Choices. As hokey as the title sounds, Betty's latest book (which was actually written by a team of editors, recipe developers, and nutritionists) is filled with sound, basic nutrition advice and information and over 400 appealing recipes for healthy everyday meals. Betty also includes wellness tips and a list of the top 10 foods for health, gives strategies for preventing major diseases, and even explores the mind-body connection. (Yes, Betty has taken up yoga, meditation, and aromatherapy.)

But the recipes are the stars of Healthy New Choices. There are sections for everything from appetizers, snacks, and smoothies to main dishes and desserts. This time around Betty includes vegetarian and ethnic entrees and lightens up classic favorites like Guacamole, Caramelized Popcorn, Macaroni & Cheese, Chicken Fricassee, and Rice Pudding by slashing fat and calories without sacrificing flavor. The recipes are quick, simple, and easy; require no special ingredients or difficult techniques; and are accompanied by nutrition information and diet exchanges. If you're short on time, trying to cook light, and tired of the dozen or so recipes that you regularly depend on, then Healthy New Choices will help brighten up your diet. --Ellen Albertson